Prediction of focal extracapsular extension at radical prostatectomy: Relative merit of transrectal ultrasound, endorectal magnetic resonance imaging, prostate specific antigen, prostate specific antigen density, and systematic biopsy

We conducted a study to compare the relative merits of prostate specific antigen (PSA), PSA density (PSAD), transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), endorectal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and systematic biopsy in the prediction of focal extracapsular extension (ECE) at radical prostatectomy. A retrospective review of patients who underwent TRUS, endorectal MRI, and radical prostatectomy at our institution was performed. Patients with a diagnosis of prostate cancer who were thought to be surgical candidates by digital rectal examination and TRUS underwent endorectal MRI prior to radical prostatectomy. Imaging, PSA, PSAD, and systematic biopsy results (tumor grade and fraction of positive systematic biopsies) were correlated with step-sectioned, radical prostatectomy pathologic data. Data was analyzed for the entire prostate and on each individual side. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and likelihood ratios were calculated for each modality, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to weigh the relative contributions of preoperative parameters in predicting ECE.

Data was collected from 54 patients who had sextant systematic biopsy, imaging, and radical prostatectomy. A total of 24 sides demonstrated ECE (19 patients, 5 with bilateral ECE). When assessed for the dominant prostate side and on a side-for-side basis, MRI had the highest sensitivity and NPV for detecting focal ECE. MRI also had the highest PPV, and TRUS had the highest specificity for side-for-side analysis. For the dominant prostate side, PSA had the highest specificity and PPV for detecting focal ECE. Of note, significant overlap was demonstrated in the 95% confidence intervals of all modalities with each other for all analyses. ROC analyses found MRI and Gleason sum to be superior for the dominant prostate side assessment and MRI and the fraction of positive systematic biopsies to be superior for a side-for-side analysis. Optimal likelihood ratios for positive test results were seen for PSA (dominant prostate side) and MRI (side-for-side), and for negative test results for MRI. Logistic regression demonstrated MRI and Gleason sum to be powerful predictors of ECE. Thus, we would conclude that endorectal MRI and tumor grade provide unique information in the prediction of focal ECE in select patients.     

Sextant localization of prostate cancer: comparison of sextant biopsy, magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging with step section histology

PURPOSE: We compared the accuracy of endorectal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging with that of sextant biopsy for the sextant localization of prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sextant biopsy, MRI, magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging and radical prostatectomy with step section histology were done in 47 patients with prostate cancer. For each sextant we categorized biopsy and imaging results as positive or negative for cancer. Step section histology was used as the standard of reference. RESULTS: For sextant localization of prostate cancer MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging were more sensitive but less specific than biopsy (67% and 76% versus 50%, and 69% and 68% versus 82%, respectively). The sensitivity of sextant biopsy was significantly less in the prostate apex than in the mid prostate or prostate base (38% versus 52% and 62%, respectively). MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging had similar efficacy throughout the prostate compared with biopsy only as well as better sensitivity and specificity in the prostate apex (60% and 75%, and 86% and 68%, respectively). A positive biopsy or imaging result had 94% sensitivity for cancer and concordant positivity by all 3 tests was highly specific at 98%. CONCLUSIONS: Overall MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging have accuracy similar to biopsy for intraprostatic localization of cancer and they are more accurate than biopsy in the prostate apex. These 2 imaging modalities may supplement biopsy results by increasing physician confidence when evaluating intraprostatic tumor location, which may be important for planning disease targeted therapy.     

Magnetic resonance imaging-directed transrectal ultrasonography-guided biopsies in patients at risk of prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether using endorectal-coil magnetic resonance imaging (erMRI) before transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided biopsies of the prostate increases the yield of cancer in a high-risk population, and in a subset analysis to compare the yield with high-field (3 T) vs lower field (1.5 T) MRI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between March 2003 and November 2005, 26 consecutive patients had erMRI before their TRUS biopsy of the prostate (median age 62 years, range 32-76). The median prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was 8.40 (2.1-85.9) ng/mL. All patients had at least one previous negative prostate biopsy (median 3, range 1-12). Twenty-three patients had at least one risk factor for prostate cancer (family history, high PSA velocity, low percentage of free PSA, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia or atypical small acinar proliferation on previous biopsy). MRI studies consisted of T2-weighted and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) imaging studies. RESULTS: There was a close correlation between T2-weighted and DCE images (85% agreement, P<0.001). Neither T2-weighted nor DCE imaging correlated with a higher yield for cancer on final biopsy (T2, positive predictive value, PPV, 20%, negative PV, NPV, 14%, P=0.21; DCE, PPV 21%, NPV 15%, P=0.26). Combining the two methods did not improve the cancer yield. There was no significant difference in the probability of cancer based on 1.5 T or 3 T imaging (17% vs 16%, P=0.88). CONCLUSION: Although erMRI before TRUS-guided biopsies tended to give higher cancer yields the difference was not statistically significant. Reasons for this might include suboptimal localisation of the MRI findings and the biopsy location. Better methods for fusing MRI and TRUS images are presently being developed at our institution to allow more accurate targeting.     

The use of 29 MHz transrectal micro-ultrasound to stratify the prostate cancer risk in patients with PI-RADS III lesions at multiparametric MRI: A single institutional analysis

IntroductionMagnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has emerged as the most accurate diagnostic tool, showing a high sensitivity in the diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer (csCaP). However only a minority of patients with a PI-RADS 3 lesion at multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are diagnosed with csCaP. The aim of the current study was to assess whether high resolution micro-ultrasound (microUS) could help in sub-stratifying the risk of csCaP in this specific population.Material and methodsWe retrospectively analyzed the records of 111 consecutive patients scheduled for a prostate biopsy with at least 1 PI-RADS 3 lesions at MRI. We excluded patients with a PIRADS >3 lesion, even if they had a coexisting PIRADS 3 lesions. MicroUS was performed in all patients before prostate biopsy by an operator blind to MRI results. The Prostate Risk Identification using MicroUS (PRI-MUS) protocol was used to assess the risk of CaP and csCaP. All patients received both targeted and systematic biopsies. The primary endpoint was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of microUS in detection of csCaP in patients with a PI-RADS 3 lesion at MRI. Specifically, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of microUS were determined. Multivariable logistic regression models (MLRMs) were fitted to identify predictors of CaP. The diagnostic accuracy was reported as area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve.ResultsOverall, 43 patients (38.7%) harboured CaP and 22 (20%) csCaP. MicroUS showed a high sensitivity and negative predictive value (100%), while its specificity and positive predictive value were 33.7% and 27.2%, respectively. Among patients without lesions at microUS, 25 (83.3%) did not harbour CaP, while 5 (16.7%) patients were diagnosed with a Gleason score 6 CaP, with no patients harbouring csCaP. Using microUS, the csCaP detection would have remained 100%, while reducing the detection of insignificant CaP of a 23.8% extent (n = 5). In MLRMs, lesion identified at microUS and continuously-coded PSAd were independent predictors of CaP. The accuracy of a model including PRI-MUS score, digital rectal examination (DRE), PSA density, age and family history was 0.744 (95% CI: 0.645 – 0.843).ConclusionIn our single-institutional retrospective study, microUS was potentially capable to stratify the presence of CaP in patients with an equivocal MRI. Further prospective studies on larger populations are needed to validate our results.     

Detection of clinical unilateral T3a prostate cancer – by digital rectal examination or transrectal ultrasonography?

OBJECTIVE: To assess, in a retrospective study, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of digital rectal examination (DRE), transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and the combination of both in unilateral clinical T3a (cT3a) prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The long-term outcome of surgical treatment for locally advanced prostate cancer is very good and surpasses that for radiotherapy outcomes, so it is anticipated that surgical management for cT3a disease will become more important, but staging methods for cT3a disease are not well studied. Between 1990 and 2004, 2240 patients had a radical prostatectomy at our institution; 267 were diagnosed as having clinical cT3a prostate cancer either by DRE or TRUS. The final histopathology was compared with the findings of DRE and TRUS. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for DRE, TRUS and the combination of both were calculated. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV by DRE only was 90.9%, 15.8%, 47.2% and 67.7%, by TRUS only was 80.2%, 25.3%, 47.1% and 60.7%, and by both DRE and TRUS was 71.1%, 41.1%, 50.0% and 63.2%. Although the sensitivity was lower in the combined group, it had the highest specificity (41.1%) and PPV (50.0%). The combination of DRE and TRUS can detect T3a prostate cancer more accurately than either method alone. CONCLUSION: Until data on staging methods like magnetic resonance imaging become available, the combination of DRE and TRUS is advisable in selecting cT3a patients for primary radical prostatectomy.     

Defining the index lesion for potential salvage partial or hemi-gland ablation after radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer

BackgroundSalvage partial gland ablation (sPGA) has been proposed to treat some localized radiorecurrent prostate cancer. The role of prostate biopsy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics to identify patients eligible for sPGA is unknown.ObjectiveTo evaluate the ability of MRI and prostate biopsy characteristics to identify an index lesion suitable for sPGA and validate this selection using detailed tumor maps created from whole-mount slides from salvage radical prostatectomy (sRP) specimens.Design, setting, and participantsMen who underwent sRP for recurrent prostate cancer following primary radiotherapy with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and/or brachytherapy between 2000 and 2014 at a single high-volume cancer center were eligible. Those with tumor maps, MRI and biopsy data were included in analysis.Outcome measurements and statistical analysisPrimary outcome was the ability of clinicopathologic and imaging criteria to identify patients who may be eligible for sPGA based on detailed tumor map from whole-mount sRP slides.Results and limitationsOf 216 men who underwent sRP following whole gland radiotherapy, tumor maps, MRI, and biopsy data were available for 77. Of these, 15 (19%) were determined to be eligible for sPGA based on biopsy-proven unilateral disease in contiguous sextant segments, a dominant lesion on MRI concordant with biopsy location or no focal region of interest, and no imaging evidence of extraprostatic disease. Review of tumor maps identified 6 additional men who would have met criteria for sPGA, resulting in sensitivity of 71% (95% C.I. 48%–89%) and specificity of 100% (lower bound of 95% C.I. 94%). None of the 15 men who met the criteria for sPGA on clinical data were identified incorrectly on tumor maps to require full gland surgery (upper bound of 95% C.I. 22%). Median tumor volume of the index lesion was 0.4 cc and recurrent cancer was noted in the apex, mid-gland, and base in 81%, 100%, and 29% of men.ConclusionsIn men with recurrent prostate cancer after radiotherapy, biopsy findings and MRI can be used to select index lesions potentially amenable for sPGA and can guide patient evaluation for inclusion in clinical trials of sPGA following radiation failure. Larger, prospective studies are required to evaluate both the role of MRI and clinical criteria in guiding focal salvage therapy and the effectiveness of this modality for radiorecurrent prostate cancer.     

Predicting unilateral prostate cancer on routine diagnostic biopsy: sextant vs extended

Study Type – Diagnosis (exploratory cohort)
Level of Evidence 2b

OBJECTIVE

To compare the diagnostic properties of routine office‐based sextant and extended biopsies for unilateral prostate cancer, as validated by final pathology, because focal therapy of prostate cancer is gaining acceptance as a viable treatment option and thus patient selection is of paramount consideration.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analysed records of patients who had a radical prostatectomy (RP) for biopsy confirmed prostate cancer at our institution between 1990 and 2007. Records with incomplete data were excluded. Diagnostic properties for sextant and extended biopsies were calculated and compared for diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) and false‐positive and ‐negative rates.

RESULTS

We identified 882 records (729 sextant, 153 extended biopsies) matching our criteria. Overall, unilateral prostate cancer was confirmed in 151 (16%) of pathological RP specimens. The sensitivity improved from 84.1% to 88.0% on sextant and extended biopsy, respectively. Similarly, the PPV increased from 21.9% to 27.2%, specificity from 37.1% to 53.9% (P < 0.05), and NPV from 91.8% to 95.8% (P < 0.05). These changes are reflected in the decrease in false‐positive rates (from 62.9% to 46.1%) and false‐negative rates (from 15.9% to 12.0%). The overall diagnostic accuracy increased from 49% on sextant to 59% on extended biopsy (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Taking more prostate biopsy cores improves the diagnostic properties for identifying unilateral prostate cancer. However, a 12‐core biopsy is not an ideal diagnostic test to select patients for focal therapy, and should be interpreted in conjunction with imaging and clinical variables. Additional research should investigate the diagnostic gain associated with a further increase in the number of biopsy cores.     

Significance of metabolic tumor volume and total lesion uptake measured using Ga-68 labelled prostate-specific membrane antigen PET/CT in primary staging of prostate cancer

ObjectiveTo evaluate the accuracy of Ga-68 prostate-specific membrane antigen positron-emission-tomography and computed-tomography(PSMA-PET/CT) in primary nodal staging of prostate cancer (PCa), and the predictive value of volumetric parameters derived from Ga-68- PSMA-PET/CT data in lymph node(LN) metastasis and correlation with histopathological and surgical outcomes.Materials and methodsSeventy-seven patients with newly diagnosed, biopsy-proven PCa who underwent Ga-68-PSMA-PET/CT for primary staging of disease and underwent radical prostatectomy with extendend pelvic LN dissection were evaluated retrospectively. 2 experienced nuclear medicine specialists have retrospectively reviewed PET/CT images blinded to all histopathological and clinical data. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value(PPV), and negative predictive value(NPV) for the detection of LN metastases were analyzed per-patient. Volumetric and semiquantitative PET parameters of the primary prostate lesions including SUVmax,metabolic tumor volume(MTV), and total lesion uptake(TLU) were measured and recorded.ResultsPrimary tumor SUVmax, MTV and TLU were found significantly higher in patients who were in higher ISUP Grade groups 3,4,5 after surgical treatment (P = 0.021,P = 0.049,P = 0.032, respectively). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV on LN metastasis detection of Ga-68-PSMA-PET/CT was found 60%, 91%, 82% and 78% respectively. Although the distribution of the measured primary tumor MTV and TLU values were higher in histopathologically proven LN metastasis positive patients compared to negative patients, only TLU was statistically significant(P = 0.023). Increase in primary tumor TLU values were correlated with higher pT stages and surgical margin positivity(P = 0.034).ConclusionGa-68-PSMA-PET/CT is of clinically valuable for primary staging. Measuring and adding these 2 parameters in routine clinical evaluation may increase the prediction power of high-grade disease confirmed by surgery.     

18F-FDG PET/CT在胆道系统恶性肿瘤中的应用

目的探讨~(18)F-FDG PET/CT诊断胆道系统恶性肿瘤的价值。方法回顾性分析34例临床疑似胆道恶性肿瘤患者的PET/CT影像资料,均获得术后病理结果,其中12例经手术切除淋巴结或淋巴结穿刺活检对18枚淋巴结获得病理诊断;与病理结果对照,计算PET/CT对胆道恶性病变原发灶、淋巴结转移的灵敏度、特异度、阳性预测值、阴性预测值及准确率。结果 34例中,31例为恶性病变,3例为良性病变。PET/CT诊断胆道恶性肿瘤原发灶的灵敏度100%(31/31),特异度66.67%(2/3),阳性预测值96.88%(31/32),阴性预测值100%(2/2),准确率97.06%(33/34)。胆道恶性病变原发灶最大标准摄取值(SUV_(max))为8.42±4.27;3例胆道良性疾病SUV_(max)分别为12.90、2.00及1.90。共18枚淋巴结获得病理结果,包括转移性淋巴结13枚,良性增生5枚。PET/CT诊断淋巴结转移的灵敏度76.92%(10/13),特异度60.00%(3/5),阳性预测值83.33%(10/12),阴性预测值50.00%(3/6),准确率72.22%(13/18)。结论 PET/CT对胆道系统恶性肿瘤的诊断具有重要价值。     

经直肠多模态超声与多模态MRI检查对前列腺癌诊断价值的对照研究

目的比较经直肠多模态超声与多模态MRI检查对前列腺癌的诊断价值。方法回顾性分析2016年4月至2018年5月解放军总医院第一医学中心收治的102例可疑前列腺癌患者的临床资料。平均年龄66.1(38.0~85.0)岁,PSA平均值30.1(0.4~227.0)ng/ml,PSA密度(PSAD)平均值0.67(0.02~4.27)ng/ml^2。102例均行经直肠多模态超声(经直肠常规超声、剪切波弹性成像和超声造影)、多模态MRI(T2加权成像、弥散加权成像和动态增强)以及实验室检查。以经直肠超声引导穿刺活检或手术病理结果作为金标准,对比经直肠多模态超声与多模态MRI检查诊断前列腺癌的敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值、准确性和受试者工作特征(receiver operating characteristic,ROC)曲线的曲线下面积。结果102例中,病理诊断为前列腺癌62例,良性前列腺增生(BPH)40例。并联多模态经直肠超声(即经直肠常规超声、剪切波弹性成像和超声造影检查中任一项结果阳性诊断为前列腺癌)诊断前列腺癌63例,BPH 39例;诊断前列腺癌的敏感性、特异性和准确性分别为98.4%、70.0%和87.3%。多模态MRI检查诊断前列腺癌75例,BPH 27例;诊断前列腺癌的敏感性、特异性和准确性分别为95.2%、60.0%和81.4%。并联多模态经直肠超声和多模态MRI检查诊断前列腺癌ROC曲线的曲线下面积分别为0.842和0.776,差异无统计学意义(P=0.208)。结论并联多模态经直肠超声检查诊断前列腺癌的效能不亚于多模态MRI检查。     

PI-RADS 3 lesions: Does the association of the lesion volume with the prostate-specific antigen density matter in the diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer?

IntroductionCurrently, a new subclassification of the Pi-RADS 3 lesions and subgroups is being used: 3a (indolent or low-risk lesions with volume <0.5 ml) and 3b (significant or high-risk lesions with volume ≥0.5 ml). The prostate-specific antigen density (PSAd) has been identified as a diagnostic tool that helps to predict clinically significant prostate cancer (csCaP). The aim of this study is to evaluate the association of the volume of the Pi-RADS 3 lesions and the PSAd in the diagnosis of csCaP.Material and MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study that included prostate biopsies performed using a transperineal approach and guided by ultrasound between 2015 and 2020. csCaP was defined as Gleason score ≥3 + 4. The population was divided into groups according to the Pi-RADS 3 subclassification and the PSAd value. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive value (PPV) of 3b lesions for the detection of high-grade prostate cancer, alone and combined with PSAD groups.ResultsIn total, 99 patients with Pi-RADS 3 lesions were included. Forty-three patients were in group 3a and 56, in 3b. Mean PSA was 7.28 ± 2.6 ng/ml. Pi-RADS 3a lesion did not present csCaP but 17.8% of Pi-RADS 3b lesion did. In group 3b with PSAd > 0.15, 62.5% presented csCaP. In those Pi-RADS 3b with PSAd ≤ 0.15, all biopsies were insignificant prostate cancer (isCaP) and 40 biopsies could have been avoided. Considering 3b as positive for csCaP detection, sensitivity was 100%, specificity 48.3%, NPV 17.8%, and PPV 100%. When adding PSAd to group 3b, sensitivity was 100%, specificity was 86.9%, NPV was 62.5%, PPV was 100%. In total, only the subgroup 3b with PSAd > 0.15 presented csCaP and 83.8% biopsies could be avoided.ConclusionsIn this series, the association of the volume of PIRADS 3 lesion and the PSAd improves specificity and PPV contributing to improve the management of csCaP.     

Prostate zonal anatomy correlates with the detection of prostate cancer on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging/ultrasound fusion–targeted biopsy in patients with a solitary PI-RADS v2–scored lesion

PurposeTo evaluate the positive predictive value (PPV) of the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2 (PI-RADS v2) assessment method in patients with a single suspicious finding on prostate multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI).Patients and methodsA total of 176 patients underwent MRI/ultrasound fusion–targeted prostate biopsy after the detection of a single suspicious finding on mpMRI. The PPV for cancer detection was determined based on PI-RADS v2 assessment score and location.ResultsFusion biopsy detected prostate cancer in 60.2% of patients. Of these patients, 69.8% had Gleason score (GS) ≥7 prostate cancer. Targeted biopsy detected 90.5% of all GS≥7 prostate cancer. The PPV for GS≥7 detection of PI-RADS v2 category 5 (P5) and category 4 (P4) lesions was 70.2% and 37.7%, respectively. This increased to 88% and 38.5% for P5 and P4 lesions in the peripheral zone (PZ), respectively. Targeted biopsy did not miss GS≥7 disease compared with systematic biopsy in P5 lesions in the PZ and transition zone.ConclusionThe PPV of PI-RADS v2 for prostate cancer in patients with a single lesion on mpMRI is dependent on PI-RADS assessment category and location. The highest PPV was for a P5 lesion in the PZ.     

The value of clinical characteristics and breast-imaging studies in predicting a histopathologic diagnosis of cancer or high-risk lesion in patients with spontaneous nipple discharge

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of breast-imaging studies in identifying cancer and high-risk lesions among patients with spontaneous, single-duct, nipple discharge (SSND). METHODS: The medical records of 168 cases with SSND treated with duct excision between June 1998 and May 2004 were reviewed. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and positive predictive value (PPV) of mammogram, ultrasound, and ductogram in predicting high-risk lesions and cancer were calculated. RESULTS: The sensitivity of mammography was 10%, the specificity 94%, the NPV 88%, and the PPV 18%. Ultrasonography had a sensitivity of 36%, specificity of 68%, PPV of 14%, and NPV of 89%. Ductography had a sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 49%, and NPV and PPV of 93% and 18%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Conventional imaging studies do not accurately identify cancer or high-risk lesions in patients with SSND.All patients with SSND should be offered duct excision.     

Should men undergo MRI before prostate biopsy – CON

Prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly used prior to biopsy in response to the overdiagnosis and overtreatment of prostate cancer (CaP) associated with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) based screening. However, technical limitations in the conventional diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) sequences as well as the high degree of radiologist-to-radiologist variability in interpreting prostate MRI result in inadequate accuracy. Specifically, the insufficient negative predictive value (NPV) of prostate MRI (76%–87%) does not allow biopsy to be omitted in the negative MRI setting. Additionally, the variable, and relatively low positive predictive value (PPV) of MRI (27%–44%) provides only an incremental improvement in risk prediction compared to readily available clinical tools such as the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial risk calculator. This small benefit is likely confined to the minority of patients with positive MRI findings in a typically under-sampled region of the prostate (e.g., anterior lesions), which may be obviated by newer biopsy approaches and tools such as transperineal prostate biopsy and micro-ultrasound technology. With these considerations in mind, pre-biopsy prostate MRI in its current form is unlikely to provide a clinically significant benefit, and should not be considered as routine practice until its accuracy is sufficiently improved.     

The validity and accuracy of MRI arthrogram in the assessment of painful articular disorders of the hip

The assessment of a patient with chronic hip pain can be challenging. The differential diagnosis of intra-articular pathology causing hip pain can be diverse. These includes conditions such as osteoarthritis, fracture, and avascular necrosis, synovitis, loose bodies, labral tears, articular pathology and, femoro-acetabular impingement. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) arthrography of the hip has been widely used now for diagnosis of articular pathology of the hip. A retrospective analysis of 113 patients who had MRI arthrogram and who underwent hip arthroscopy was included in the study. The MRI arthrogram was performed using gadolinium injection and reported by a single radiologist. The findings were then compared to that found on arthroscopy. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), accuracy and 95% confidence interval were calculated for each pathology. Labral tear—sensitivity 84% (74.3–90.5), specificity 64% (40.7–82.8), PPV 91% (82.1–95.8), NPV 48% (29.5–67.5), accuracy 80%. Delamination —sensitivity 7% (0.8–22.1), specificity 98% (91.6–99.7), PPV 50% (6.8–93.2), NPV 74% (65.1–82.2) and accuracy 39%. Chondral changes—sensitivity 25% (13.3–38.9), specificity 83% (71.3–91.1), PPV 52% (30.6–73.2), NPV 59% (48.0–69.2) and accuracy 58%. Femoro-acetabular impingement (CAM deformity)—sensitivity 34% (19.6–51.4), specificity 83% (72.2–90.4), PPV 50% (29.9–70.1), NPV 71% (60.6–80.5) and accuracy 66%. Synovitis—sensitivity 11% (2.3–28.2), specificity 99% (93.6–100), PPV 75% (19.4–99.4), NPV 77% (68.1–84.6) and accuracy 77%. Our study conclusions are MRI arthrogram is a useful investigation tool in detecting labral tears, it is also helpful in the diagnosis of femoro-acetabular impingement. However, when it comes to the diagnosis of chondral changes, defects and cartilage delamination, the sensitivity and accuracy are low.     

A Prospective Analysis of Positron Emission Tomography and Conventional Imaging for Detection of Stage IV Metastatic Melanoma in Patients Undergoing Metastasectomy

Background: Positron emission tomography with 2-deoxy-2-[¹⁸F]fluoro-d-glucose (FDG-PET) is available for evaluation of patients with melanoma. This study evaluates the potential of FDG-PET to improve on conventional imaging (CI) in patients with stage IV melanoma undergoing metastasectomy.Methods: This was a prospective study comparing radiological evaluation of patients who underwent metastasectomy for palliation or cure. Patients underwent preoperative evaluation by physical examination, CI by computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging, and FDG-PET. Independent observers performed three separate analyses of CI alone, FDG-PET alone, or FDG-PET read with knowledge of CI (FDG-PET + CI). Abnormalities were reported as benign or malignant and assessed by pathologic analysis or by clinical outcome determined by disease progression detected on serial evaluations.Results: Ninety-four lesions were noted in 18 patients who underwent preoperative assessment, metastasectomy, and long-term follow up (median, 24 months). Lesion-by-lesion analysis for CI demonstrated a sensitivity of 76%, a specificity of 87%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 86%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 76%. FDG-PET demonstrated a sensitivity of 79%, a specificity of 87%, a PPV of 86%, and an NPV of 80%. For FDG-PET + CI, the sensitivity was 88%, specificity was 91%, and PPV and NPV were 91% and 88%, respectively.Conclusions: Combined use of FDG-PET and CI may be an accurate strategy to identify sites of disease in patients with stage IV melanoma being considered for metastasectomy. Interpreted independently, FDG-PET and CI seemed to be equivalent modalities. FDG-PET + CI had both the highest sensitivity on lesion-by-lesion analysis and the best accuracy on patient-by-patient analysis.     

Comparing shoulder maneuvers to magnetic resonance imaging and arthroscopic findings in patients with supraspinatus tears

BACKGROUNDShoulder maneuvers and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are performed to diagnose supraspinatus tendon tears regardless of arthroscopy exam. Although there are many studies on this subject, there is a lack of studies comparing the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of shoulder maneuvers and MRI to arthroscopic findings (intact, partial, or full thickness supraspinatus tendon tear).AIMTo compare the diagnostic values of shoulder maneuvers with MRI for supraspinatus tendon tears in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy.METHODSA total of 199 consecutive patients from four orthopedic centers met the eligibility criteria of shoulder pain persisting for at least four weeks. They were prospectively enrolled in this study from April 2017 to April 2019. Seven clinical tests (full can, empty can, drop arm, Hawkins’, painful arc, Neer’s sign and resisted external rotation) and MRI were performed, and all were compared with surgical findings. Full can, empty can and resisted external rotation tests were interpreted as positive in the case of pain and/or weakness. We assessed the Se, Sp, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV), positive and negative likelihood ratio and diagnostic odds ratio for overall, partial and full-thickness supraspinatus tears.RESULTSMRI had the highest Se for overall (0.97), partial (0.91) and full-thickness (0.99) tears; moreover, MRI had the highest NPV: 0.90, 0.88 and 0.98 for overall, partial and full-thickness tears, respectively. For overall supraspinatus tears, the Se and PPV were: Painful arc (Se = 0.85/PPV = 0.91), empty can (pain) (Se = 0.80/PPV = 0.89), full can (pain) (Se = 0.78/PPV = 0.90), resisted external rotation (pain) (Se = 0.48/PPV = 0.87), drop arm (Se = 0.19/PPV = 0.97), Neer’s sign (Se = 0.78/PPV = 0.93) and Hawkins’ (Se = 0.80/PPV = 0.88). MRI had the highest PPV (0.99). The Hawkin’s test had the highest false positive rate in patients with intact tendons (0.36). The Sp of the empty can and full can (both tests positive for pain and weakness), drop arm and MRI were: 0.93, 0.91, 0.98 and 0.96, respectively. For partial and full-thickness tears, the empty can test (positive for pain and weakness) had a Sp of 0.93, and the drop arm and MRI had the same Sp (0.98).CONCLUSIONPhysical examination demonstrated good diagnostic value, the drop arm test had a Sp as good as MRI for supraspinatus tears; however, MRI was more accurate in ruling out tears. The Hawkins’ test had high false-positive findings in patients with intact tendons.     

The role of flow cytometric ANCA detection in screening for acute pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis.

BACKGROUND: Most cases of pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis (PICGN) are associated with serum anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). This article studied the sensitivity and specificity of serum ANCA, determined by flow cytometry and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF), to identify patients with acute PICGN. METHODS: 577 adults presenting for first biopsy of their native kidneys with serum taken for ANCA (flow cytometry and IIF) determination were studied. A positive ANCA was defined using a flow cytometric ANCA assay as a screening test, followed by a slide-based indirect IIF technique. Pathological confirmation of acute PICGN was used to assess the sensitivity and specificity of this combined approach and its positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) in patients presenting for renal biopsy due to abnormal urinary sediment. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients were found to have acute PICGN on renal biopsy. Of these 47 were ANCA positive (sensitivity 95.9%). Overall 93 of the renal biopsy patients were ANCA positive, (specificity 91.3%). A further seven patients (two ANCA positive) had advanced sclerosing disease consistent with PICGN but without evidence of current disease activity. The PPV and NPV of ANCA, assessed by flow cytometry and slide IIF, in predicting that patients presenting with undifferentiated renal disease would have acute PICGN was 50.5 and 99.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Flow cytometric screening of serum for ANCA in patients undergoing renal biopsy has a high NPV for determining those with acute PICGN. It may provide a rapid, simple screening test for this lesion in laboratories using diagnostic flow cytometry and may complement IIF/ELISA in evaluating ANCA positive patients.     

The role of FISH and cytology in upper urinary tract surveillance after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer

ObjectivesCytology and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) (Urovysion) assay are often used during upper urinary tract surveillance in patients following radical cystectomy with urinary diversion, without much available data regarding efficacy in this population. Here, we evaluate the value of FISH and cytology in detecting upper tract recurrence in the face of a urinary diversion.Materials and methodsA review of our cystectomy database revealed 270 patients who had at least one FISH and/or cytology assay performed during surveillance after radical cystectomy. Workup included upper tract imaging in all patients and upper tract endoscopy as indicated. A total of 163 FISH assays and 474 urinary cytology examinations were included in the analysis. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of FISH and cytology were assessed.ResultsTen patients (3.4%) developed upper tract recurrence after a median follow-up time of 31 months (2–202). All but 1 patient presented either with gross hematuria or positive finding on imaging; 6 had positive FISH and cytology, and 2 had positive cytology only (no FISH done). For detection of upper tract recurrence, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of cytology were 80.0%, 85.6%, 10.7%, and 99.5%, respectively; and that for FISH were 85.7%, 86.5%, 23.1%, and 99.2%, respectively.ConclusionsThe FISH assay and urinary cytology both demonstrate high rates of false positivity and are useful mainly for their negative predictive ability in patients with a urinary diversion. Unless prospective trials show otherwise, both—or at least the more expensive test—can be omitted from surveillance strategies.